2017 Ford F-250 vs. 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500: Which is Best?

2017 Ford F 250 vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ・ Photo by Ford and Chevrolet

When it comes to three-quarter-ton pickup trucks, there are four all-American choices: the Ford Super Duty F-250, Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, GMC Sierra 2500HD and Ram 2500. It’s a highly competitive class, and each manufacturer's profits ride on the success of its workhorse. This article looks at two of the top-selling contenders: the Ford and Chevrolet. Both trucks offer the gamut of trim levels and formidable capabilities, but which one is best?

Trim Levels

Today’s three-quarter-ton pickups provide a plethora of choices, from the most basic workhorse all the way up to the ultra-luxurious. The Super Duty F-250 is offered in five trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum, along with an FX4 off-road package. The Silverado 2500HD has four trim levels: WT, LT, LTZ and High Country. A slew of Silverado special editions and packages are also available, including the HD Custom Edition, Midnight Edition, Custom Sport Edition, All-Star, Texas Edition, Alaskan Edition and the Z71 off-road package. While the F-250’s western themed King Ranch and top-of-the-line Platinum trim levels are marvelous, we’ll award this one to the Silverado for the wide array of special editions and personalization options.

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Gasoline Engines

Both the F-250 and Silverado are fitted with naturally aspirated V8 engines as standard equipment. The Ford Super Duty has a 6.2-liter flex-fuel V8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The Silverado 2500HD is equipped with a 6.0-liter Vortec V8 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with 360 hp and 380 pound-feet of torque. Notch this one in the Super Duty F-250’s column, with a considerable 25 hp and 50 pound-feet of torque advantage. Worth noting: While the turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines are extremely popular in the F-150, Ford does not offer them in the F-250.

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Diesel Engines

If work requirements demand massive torque, you’ll opt for an optional turbodiesel engine in your three-quarter-ton truck. Both Ford and Chevy offer V8 turbodiesels that deliver a remarkable amount of hauling power. The F-250’s optional 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8 cranks out 440 horsepower hp and 925 pound-feet of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed TorqShift automatic transmission. An optional 6.6-liter turbodiesel Duramax V8 engine is offered in the Silverado 2500HD, paired with a six-speed automatic Allison transmission and producing 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. With the astounding amount of power on tap with both the Power Stroke and Duramax, this one’s nearly a toss-up, but we’ll call it for the F-250 for its slight edge in torque.

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Infotainment Systems

It’s all about the infotainment these days, and this category has a clear winner. The Super Duty F-250 offers an available Sony-branded audio system and Ford Sync 3 technology, which supports Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Silverado 2500HD can be equipped with a Bose sound system and Chevrolet MyLink infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The Silverado mauls the F-250 when it comes to connectivity, with an integrated OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that provides a wireless internet connection for up to seven devices. Score this one for Chevrolet.

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Towing Abilities

The 4x2 F-250 Super Duty crew cab has an 18,000-pound maximum loaded trailer weight rating when equipped with the diesel V8 engine, with a maximum gross combined weight rating of 28,700 pounds. The F-250 is packed with trailering technology, including a 360-degree bird’s-eye-view camera system, a trailer reverse guidance system, an integrated trailer brake controller and a blind-spot monitoring system with trailer coverage. The 4x2 Silverado 2500HD has a maximum conventional trailering rating of 14,500 pounds when equipped with its diesel V8, with a maximum GCWR of 25,300 pounds. The Silverado’s towing-specific technology includes tow/haul mode, digital steering assist, trailer sway control and automatic powertrain braking. Optional tech includes an integrated trailer brake controller and a four-camera EchoMaster trailering camera system (offered as a dealer-installed option). The Ford earns the accolades.

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Off-Road Ability

If pure off-road capability is at the top of your list, neither of these trucks will be your first choice among three-quarter-tons. As Mopar aficionados will proudly state, the RAM 2500 Power Wagon’s standard locking front and rear differentials (and Warn winch) storm past the F-250 and Silverado 2500HD when the going gets tough. The F-250’s FX4 off-road package includes skid plates for the transfer case and fuel tank, along with Rancho shocks and hill descent control. The Silverado 2500HD’s Z71 off-road package also includes Rancho shocks, hill descent control and various trim items, along with a front skid plate that runs from the front bumper to the first cross member (protecting the oil pan, differential and transfer case). This one’s a toss-up.

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Interior Amenities

The Super Duty F-250 and Silverado 2500 are superb mobile offices, with ample room for the crew and plenty of storage. If you can afford the price of admission, the F-250 Platinum and Silverado High Country top-of-the-line models offer nearly every creature comfort imaginable in a pickup truck.

It’s tough picking a winner in this category, but we’ll award it to the F-250 Platinum for its power-deployable running boards, exquisite leather upholstery and multi-contour massaging front seats.

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Cargo Beds

The bed is all about the business. Both the F-250 and Silverado offer short and long boxes with an array of tie-down points and available LED lighting. But there's one clear place where they differ: Ford and Chevrolet address the chore of climbing into the cargo bed with different approaches. The Super Duty F-250’s slide-out tailgate step and handle make it a snap to climb onboard. The handle and step stow away out of view when not in use. The Silverado 2500HD’s rear bumper integrates “corner steps,” which provide a higher level of convenience. We’ll give a slight edge to the Silverado 2500HD for its integrated corner step design. Unfortunately, neither model offers anything like the RAM 2500’s innovative “RamBox” side storage. Yet.

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Warranty

Both the Ford and Chevrolet include a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. The F-250 has a corrosion perforation warranty for five years or unlimited distance, and the Silverado is covered for six years or 100,000 miles. The trucks' powertrain warranties differ between engines. The gasoline-powered F-250 and 2500HD are covered by a five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, while the Super Duty Power Stroke and HD Duramax are covered by a five-year/100,000-mile limited warranty. Chevrolet wins this one with two years/24,000 miles of scheduled maintenance (including diesel exhaust fluid refills) at no extra charge.

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Exterior Design and Engineering

The 2017 Ford Super Duty F-250 benefits from the most recent full redesign and follows the F-150’s lead with its extensive use of aluminum body components, which results in a significant weight reduction. While the EPA does not publish fuel economy ratings for heavy-duty pickup trucks, less weight equals better performance and fuel economy.

Photo by Ford